While Facebook negotiates to expand its presence in China, it also is adding well-connected advertising experts to help large advertisers better take advantage of the service. As Ad Age explains: "Facebook has plucked another executive from adland.

Here's a very useful discussion of online advertising via a recent Google post [excerpt]: "Consider online advertising, which is based on principles from algorithmic game theory and online auctions. The Internet has enabled advertising that is more segmented and measurable, making it more efficient than traditional advertising channels, such as newspaper classifieds, radio spots, and television commercials.

On July 27, 2010, the Senate Commerce Committee will hold a hearing on Consumer Online Privacy. Apple, Google, AT&T and Facebook officials will testify. Here are some questions we hope the Committee will ask.